MUSINGS and other writing by Mark Kolke

. . . . . . there is no edge to openness

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WORK/PLAY FAMILY DAY ish
Monday, February 21, 2022
 
 
Holiday : a day on which one is exempt from work, a day marked by a general suspension of work in commemoration of an event.
 
In Alberta, today is a holiday – it’s Family Day, so it’s the Family Day long weekend.
 
Also celebrating today as Family Day: B.C., New Brunswick, Ontario and Saskatchewan. In Manitoba, it’s Louis Riel Day. In Nova Scotia and the Yukon, Heritage Day. In Prince Edward Island, Islander Day.  In the U.S., it’s a national holiday, Presidents Day.  And in Quebec, a regular workday.
 
Is there a cause/purpose to this occasion, or does it mirror a society-wide desire/need to have a day-off/interval between New Year’s and Easter?
 
And, as every Monday of the year holds, I’ll be working on my FACILITYCalgary newsletter so Tuesday’s issue can go out on time to 28,000+ readers. I’m always hard-pressed to define this as work or play, compulsion or habit. It’s a marketing piece started 22 years ago that morphed into a business/avocation.
 
Most people are taking a day of rest; the rest of us are not.
 
A few years ago, there was much talk about a trend toward the four-day workweek. One would think that should be down to three by now. Lately though, I’m wondering about cutting back to six.
 
Technology and gig-economy seem to work 24/7 whether there is a holiday or not.
 
 
 
 
Reader feedback:
 
APPRECIATION TIME
You are amazing Mark and I for one am grateful for your column every day. I look for it every morning to start my day. And when I couldn't read your column because of the Concussion, it was read to me by my husband. I think it's safe to say that you have a strong dedicated readership because you are a great writer. Keep well, keep Safe. - MJ, Calgary
 
You lost me at “4:30 AM, just about the time I get up””.  The worms aren’t even up at that hour.  Write more, sleep more, RH, Calgary, AB from Bradenton, FL
 
Full appreciation for your dedication and being an inspiration, too. Keep on! , JB, Edmonton, AB
 
We should all take a moment to appreciate the little things because they are oftentimes the result of a much bigger effort than shows on the surface.   A good example is the cup of coffee I drink while reading this column in the morning.   It’s really good, made from freshly ground beans, black and strong.    I drive up to a mountain village nearby to buy it from the people who roast it after the local growers pick the beans by hand.  I have seen them  carry their crop up the mountain side on their backs in 20-30kg sacks to wash and sort, then dry in the sun before going in the roaster.   It’s more than just a cup of coffee and a column but the culmination of effort by a lot of people.   Upon reflection it’s that much better with a little appreciation, DM, Okotoks, AB from Puerto Angel, Oax, Mex.
 
Yes Mark, we are out here enjoying your musings. Please keep musing and writing, CG, Cobourg, ON
 
Hi, Mark, I’m sure that by and large your readers appreciate your dedication to your writing. Unlike many things in life, you are reliable: I, as do many of your readers, count on you to publish your musings every day.   I laughed when I read that it can be challenging for you to fit your life into your writing.  It wouldn’t work as well or at all if you were challenged by fitting your writing into your life, HM, Calgary, AB


 


 
 

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